Daniel "Dave" Lopez

Daniel (Dave) David Lopez, more lovingly known as "DeLo," passed away unexpectedly from a ruptured aneurysm related to a chronic autoimmune condition on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. He was born on July 31, 1963, in Belen, New Mexico, to Frank Sr. and Victoria (Garcia) Lopez. One of his proudest moments in his younger years was his three seconds of fame in the movie Convoy, riding his bike through town with his friends.

Daniel spent his childhood and young adult years creating fond (and wild) memories with his family and friends before moving to Jamestown, ND, where he married Cassie (Rohrer) Lopez on June 18, 1994. Shortly after, they moved to Phoenix, AZ, to start a family and were blessed with two beautiful children, Dacey and Daniel. In 2001, the family moved to Fargo, ND, where Daniel worked as a maintenance technician for more than 20 years, the majority of that time with Goldmark, and the last eight years with Enclave. They were blessed to have such a dedicated employee.

In 2002, Daniel started feeling ill and later was diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa. Despite the uncertainty of this illness, he and his family remained strong and hopeful through countless doctor appointments, assessments, and surgeries, even when they were told his time was limited. Because of this, Daniel made it his mission to live life to the fullest. He was kind, loving, and always ready to lend a hand.

His positivity was contagious and made even the darkest days bright and full of love, laughter, and hope. He had a gift for finding light in difficult moments and sharing it freely with everyone around him. Whether through a kind word, a warm smile, or his steady presence, he lifted others up and reminded us all that joy could be found even in hardship.

Daniel had friends everywhere he went and loved spending time with them, enjoying an ice-cold beer, attending concerts, riding his motorcycle with his club, bowling in his league, cheering for the Buffalo Bills, and getting lucky with pull tabs. He was a great friend, but an even better father. He made sure his children always felt his love, guidance, and support. His children were lucky to have a man like him to guide them through life, leaving them with enough love to last a lifetime, even though his own was cut too short.

He was overjoyed to become a grandfather, something he once thought might never be possible, and cherished every moment with his grandson. Daniel was truly this world's greatest gift, and everyone fortunate enough to know him is a better person because of it. He was a great man. As he always said: "Good day! – DeLo."

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Victoria Garcia Lopez; brothers Michael, Frank Jr., and Bobby Lopez; and sisters Rachel Savantes, Mary Garcia, and Rafelita Christie. He is survived by his daughter, Dacey Lopez; son, Daniel (Tabatha) Lopez; grandson, Fredrick Lopez; brothers, Lawrence (Jerri), and Steve (Barbara) Lopez; Alex and Leroy (Jennifer) Montano; sisters, Marilyn Silva and Lillian Lopez; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers.

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the mass.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery South - Fargo, North Dakota.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com